Spain vs. Italy; UEFA Final

[Dotsee]

First 15min, and Spain is dominating Italy. Silva with a goal on a great little pass.

1-0 Spain

Italy has had a few chances, but looks like they will try and counter and hope Balotelli gets one by Casillas

[Dotsee]

Italy starting to take control of the midfield, and getting the ball in deep in Spain's end

[4evrHusker]

What did RR say about Spain diving? I think Italy thinks they are at the pool......

[4evrHusker]

2-0 Spain!

[4evrHusker]

What a play to score!

[HuskerSoccer04]

2-0 Spain!

This game is a perfect example of why so many teams play a defensive minded game against Spain. Spain's players like Silva, Xavi and Iniesta are just too good when given this much open space. This game could end 4-0 if things keep going as they are.

[Dotsee]

Well, 2-0 Spain now...Spain, as much as some don't like their style of play, are a very good team

[Dotsee]

This game is a perfect example of why so many teams play a defensive minded game against Spain. Spain's players like Silva, Xavi and Iniesta are just too good when given this much open space. This game could end 4-0 if things keep going as they are.

Yeah, I think Italy should have stuck with a counterattack game trying to maybe poach a goal

[4evrHusker]

Spain's passing clinic is frustrating Italy. Italy have had their chances with possession, but the Spanish defense has been stout, and Iker is playing smart. Unless Spain starts playing foolishly, this is about over at the half.

[HuskerSoccer04]

This game is a perfect example of why so many teams play a defensive minded game against Spain. Spain's players like Silva, Xavi and Iniesta are just too good when given this much open space. This game could end 4-0 if things keep going as they are.

Yeah, I think Italy should have stuck with a counterattack game trying to maybe poach a goal

That's what I thought they would do because that seems to be the best way to beat Spain, as their outside backs are designed to come up in attack. Also, Ramos and Pique tend to drift forward from center back.

[4evrHusker]

Yeah, I think Italy should have stuck with a counterattack game trying to maybe poach a goal

Hard to counterattack when you don't have possession.......

[Red Reign]

Should have followed Bob Bradley's plan.....defend and counter attack....FWIW the Spanish L & R backs are not great defenders....they are better going forward....

Baffling game plan by the coach from Italy.....

Yeah, I think Italy should have stuck with a counterattack game trying to maybe poach a goal

[HuskerSoccer04]

Yeah, I think Italy should have stuck with a counterattack game trying to maybe poach a goal

Hard to counterattack when you don't have possession.......

Possession is actually pretty equal. Stat I saw online was Spain had 53% of the possession in the first half.

[Red Reign]

Italy has had more possesion than you let on....

The Spain defense is not great (i.e. Ramos has never been known for his defensive ability) as we showed we beat them 2-0....you just have to force them to go forward and then hit them with a counter....

Buffon is still the better goal keeper regardless of the final outcome...

Nothing is over at half....Italy is too good to lay down....should be fun in the second half...

Spain's passing clinic is frustrating Italy. Italy have had their chances with possession, but the Spanish defense has been stout, and Iker is playing smart. Unless Spain starts playing foolishly, this is about over at the half.

[Red Reign]

Thank you....my point in the post above...

Possession is actually pretty equal. Stat I saw online was Spain had 53% of the possession in the first half.

[4evrHusker]

Italy has had more possesion than you let on....

The Spain defense is not great (i.e. Ramos has never been known for his defensive ability) as we showed we beat them 2-0....you just have to force them to go forward and then hit them with a counter....

Buffon is still the better goal keeper regardless of the final outcome...

Nothing is over at half....Italy is too good to lay down....should be fun in the second half...

Thank you....my point in the post above...

I still disagree, but the score is all that counts.......

[Red Reign]

Yeah your right....USA (Howard) 2 Spain (Iker) 0.....

Yup Howard is a better goal keeper than him and has to be with the defense we have...

Its easy to be a keeper on a team like Spain....I'm surprised he does not pitch a chase lounge and pop a beer....

I still disagree, but the score is all that counts.......

[4evrHusker]

Iker hasn't been scored on in 10 1/2 matches in international play, Buffon allows 2 in 42 minutes, & Buffon is better?

[4evrHusker]

10 shots on Iker, 11 on Buffon, easy to be Spain's Keeper?

[Red Reign]

You know what I'm saying....and before you annoint Spain, as you tried to do in the other thread, as the greatest team of all time....you better give Pele and Brazil a call... .

Brazil won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970 with Pele....he is the only player to win 3 WC winners medals...those Brazil teams would have owned Spain....they were scarey good...

Buffon based on the style of play Italy chooses to use has to be more involved that Spain's style...oh and he has won a World Cup....in 2006....same with Tim Howard....